Monthly Favourites | December

This month I only have a few makeup products to list as favourites, particularly eye makeup and lip products.

I will start with lip products first because two of them are new to my collection. First off, is this gorgeous shade from The Body Shop's Colour Crush range and it shade number 335 which I would describe as a rich mauve. It has a creme finish and awesome pigmentation with good staying power. Perfect for a pop of colour for daytime. 

The next lipstick is from Inglot and it is the shade 184 which is this shimmery purple that is featured in their current 'Iconic' look. Again, this too has brilliant pigmentation and staying power and I have been favouring it a lot for going out.

The last lip product to make the cut for this month' favourites is Max Factor Lipfinity in the shade 370 Always Extravagant which is a nice warm fuchsia red. This lasts for hours on end and I'm really looking forward to buy more shades from the range.

Next up, eye products. Inglot's 'Iconic' makeup look has been a real favourite with me during this whole month, so much so that I dare call it my go-to look during the festive season. The closest products in my collection with which I could recreate it have been Ultra Glow Professional Pro Eye Shimmer in Icicle and E.L.F. Mineral Eyeshadow in Golden. Both of these products are in pigment form and are very easy to use and blend and with a primer underneath they will last for hours. 

What time of year is more appropriate for glitter? Holiday season of course! I have really enjoyed playing up my eye looks with these Diamond Eyeliners from two past limited editions from Pupa Milano. They add a subtle hint of glitter which complements the festive cheer going on during these days and they also add a little fun factor :)

The last product I want to talk about is the Respectissime Mascara from La Roche Posay. Currently I'm in the process of going through all the mascaras I have open and I have decided to start with this one. It is one of my favourites because I really like the brush and the fanned out effect on my lashes so I will definitely repurchase once I finish it.

Which products are your end-of-year favourites ladies?

Review | Pupa Milano Autumn 2014 Limited Edition Paris Experience I'M Lipstick 002 Berry Violet

Purples, teals, gold and all jewel tones in between are very popular during this time of year and Pupa Milano was once again spot on with the Autumn 2014 Limited Edition collection, Paris Experience. As soon as I saw 'Paris' in the name of the collection, I knew I had to get something from it and I picked up a lipstick in the shade 002 Berry Violet as it instantly appealed to me. 

Let me introduce you to the collection first, then I shall be reviewing the lipstick in more detail.

The collection consists of Vamp! Cream eyeshadows, 2 Multiplay pencils, 3 I'M Lipsticks, 1 Face Illuminator and 5 opulent shades of Lasting Colour Gel nail varnish. The inspiration behind the collection is actually the city of Paris and this is reflected in the palette of chosen colours and the lavish packaging of the products.

In fact, the lipstick that I have comes in a very attractive damask print box and the lipstick itself has a golden case with a mirror finish. The only issue I have with this packaging is the fact that fingerprints will show up all around the case...but I guess that's just me and my OCD.

I was immediately drawn to this particular shade of lipstick because it is the right kind of vampy purple that suits my pale skin tone and even though I have another 27685 lipsticks in a similar shade, this is the one that lasts the longest. For example, I wore it twice to go out for dinner and the colour only faded away a little. Deep berry purple with a shiny creme finish would be the exact description of this shade. The lipstick provides high pigmentation and a very comfortable wear combined with a very soft texture that glides easily on the lips. Moreover, the product is paraben free.

The lipsticks in the collection (RRP €12.45 each) are quite the covetable pieces along with the Face Illuminator and it's delicately intricate pattern. If you have read my other review on another I'M lipstick, you would know of the excellent performance of these little gems!

I highly suggest you check out this collection while it is still available at various pharmacies across Malta & Gozo. For more information please check out the Pupa Milano in Malta Facebook page and the Pupa Milano website.

Review | Pupa Milano I'M Lipstick 206 Coral Dream

I love myself a good lipstick and one of the latest to join my ever growing collection is the Pupa Milano I'M Lipstick in the shade 206 Coral Dream.

The I'M range, which comprises 40 lipsticks has only recently just been launched locally and it will be part of the brand's core collection.

The lipstick is encased in a beautiful mirrored silver casing and you get 3.5g of product. The packaging may come across as bulky especially if like me, you store your lipsticks in an acrylic lipstick rack but it's too pretty not to display so I place this on my dresser instead. Another issue that might bother some is the fact that finger-prints show all over the packaging.

Now let's have a look at the actual lipstick. The shade I got, 206 Coral Dream is a true coral shade that will suit most skin tones. It is neither too orangey, nor too pink - it's coral as it should be! Colour payoff is exceptional as with just one swipe, there is uniform colour on your lips.

As for staying power, I'd say this lipstick lasts for a good couple of hours and it never feels dry on the lips. On the contrary, it is very moisturising. I have liked this lipstick so much that I also purchased a limited edition of this lipstick from Pupa Milano's latest collection and I shall be reviewing it in the coming days.

Pupa Milano I'M Lipsticks are available for sale at authorised pharmacies and outlets. For more information, kindly check out Pupa Milano in Malta on Facebook or the official Pupa Milano website.

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Review | Yves Rocher Sheer Botanical Lipstick with 100% Cherry Oil #41 Iris Mauve

From my latest posts, you would know that I have recently been introduced to the French botanical skin care brand Yves Rocher and I was kindly given a few products to try out and ultimately share my thoughts with you, my readers.

The first product I am going to start with is this Sheer Botanical Lipstick in the shade #41 Iris Mauve as currently, this new line of lipsticks is being offered at 30% off in all three Yves Rocher shops.

The packaging is made out of cherry red plastic which instantly draws attention to the fact that these lipsticks are made out of 100% cherry oil. You also get a sticker with the shade name in a colour similar to that of the lipstick on the bottom of the tube. Even though the packaging is made out of plastic, it still feels very sturdy and closes with a nice click.

Out of the 12 available shades, I chose shade #41 Iris Mauve and I would describe it as a medium mauve-y pink however, you can tell from the name of these lipsticks that pigmentation is quite sheer and you will need a few swipes to get a deeper colour to show up.

Yves Rocher Sheer Botanical Lipstick #41 Iris Mauve {one swipe}

Yves Rocher Sheer Botanical Lipstick #41 Iris Mauve {several swipes}

Having said that, the product is highly moisturising and glides easily on the lips. Being made out of 100% cherry oil, this makes the lipstick smell so good you can actually eat it and it offers excellent nourishing properties to your lips.

Being sheer in coverage, you will definitely need to reapply during the day and who wouldn't want to show off such a nice looking lipstick case and have lips smelling like cherries with a glossy look all day?! To give you an idea, I'd say the lipstick lasts for around 2 hours.

Yves Rocher Sheer Botanical Lipsticks with 100% Cherry Oil retail for €15.80 but with the current 30% off offer, they come to €11.20 which is a good price in my opinion! In fact, I will go buy another shade myself as soon as I get the chance!

photo courtesy of Yves Rocher Malta

Yves Rocher have a total of three stores in Malta in the following locations:

11, Bisazza street, SLIEMA (Next to Sorbino and Ice watch)

219, Merchants street, VALLETTA (Next to Pumpkins Patch and in front of Caruana or the Electro store)

76, Antoine de Paule square, PAOLA (Next to Gauda)

For more information, check out their Facebook page here.

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Review | Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour 370 Always Extravagant

My favourite lipstick as of late has been a Max Factor one and to get to know that I was one of the lucky winners in a Facebook competition a few weeks ago for a Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour was definitely welcome news :)

 

I went ahead and collected my prize and I got the shade 370 Always Extravagant which I believe is the shade that all winners got. The packaging is very luxurious looking and you can tell right away that you're in for a treat with this product.
 

 

You actually get two products - a lip colour and a clear balm top coat. The shade 370 Always Extravagant is a bright fuchsia based red that's perfect for all skin tones, thus a perfect all-year-round shade.

 

The applicator is a doe foot type for the colour and the balm is just a regular lip balm with a retractable bullet. The actual tubes are very slim and they won't take up a lot of space in your bag if you would want to carry them with you. Well, you can actually get away with carrying only the balm as the colour lasts for ages but more on that in a few.

 

The formula is on the thick side but still very easy to work with. I like the rich pigmentation and although the product dries to a matte finish, it still doesn't feel dry on the lips. The balm is actually there to add shine rather than moisture.

 

It is suggested that you apply the colour first and allow it to dry completely for a minute or so by keeping the lips apart. Then proceed by applying the balm for a glossy finish. You could say that the colour is transfer proof as once dry, it won't even transfer onto the balm bullet.
 

 

Max Factor Lipfinity 370 Always Extravagant just applied without balm (top)
& with balm (bottom)

 

Now I cannot vouch for the claim that this lasts for a full 24 hours but the name Lipfinity is very fitting as on all the occasions that I had worn it, the colour lasted for the whole time and I only needed to re-apply the balm every so often.
 

Max Factor Lipfinity 370 Always Extravagant after 4 hours of wear

I guess this will go down in my favourite lip products list as it ticks all the boxes! And with such a nice variety of shades, you're sure to find one you like!

 

Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour is available from various pharmacies and outlets across the Maltese Islands and they retail for €14.70.

 

Review | Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss 60 Polished Fuchsia

Max Factor makeup has always been a favourite of mine. I remember the joys I used to experience whenever we went over to my aunt as she would let me rummage through her makeup collection, most of which was actually Max Factor and she even let me try on the products.

My favourites were the lipsticks and glosses, mostly because of the insane pigmentation; fast-forward 20 years later and some of my favourite lip products are branded Max Factor as well :) Today, I shall be sharing my thoughts on the Colour Elixir Gloss in the shade 60 Polished Fuchsia with you. 

 

The packaging, albeit simple, looks very classy with the matte gold cap and sleek, transparent tube. The applicator, a doe foot type, is the perfect size to go round the contours of the lips flawlessly - a must with such a brightly pigmented product.

 

The gloss has an utterly shiny finish and wear is very comfortable all throughout. I would describe the shade as a red-based fuchsia that will suit most skin tones. The conditioning formula is enriched with smoothing oil to ensure all round moisture.

 

 

As for lasting power, I think this lasts more than your average lipgloss, say three to four hours, thereby being on par with most lipsticks. I enjoy wearing this gloss both alone and paired with a matching lipstick and liner, depending on how intense I want my lips to look.

 

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss 60 Polished Fuchsia on bare lips



Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss 60 Polished Fuchsia over lipstick and liner

 

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss is available in a range of shades from leading pharmacies and outlets nationwide and they retail for €9.40 each.

 

Have you ever tried Max Factor Colour Elixir Glosses? Which are your favourite shades?

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SS14 Makeup Trend | Orange Lips

Orange is all the range this spring/summer season especially as far as lips are concerned. I was reading a post about orange lip products a couple of days ago on Natalie's Beauty Land and she had me rummaging through my stash and I have to admit I was surprised at the amount of orange tinted lip products I own. Since Natalie herself loves orange so much, she has asked me to share my little collection so here it is!

 

Sleek Pout Polish in Bonaire {Caribbean Collection} - the least pigmented of the bunch but with a highly moisturising formula that rivals that of high end products. This tinted lip conditioner provides the lips with SPF15, all round moisture and a slight tint of orange.

 

Catrice Nectar Gloss in C04 Exotica {Coolibri Limited Edition} - a rather thick lip gloss that may come off as sticky but nonetheless feels very nice on the lips. Not much pigmentation here either but it is one of my favourite glosses for this time of year.

Essence Lipgloss in 02 Peach and Mix {Marble Mania Trend Edition} - I really like the look of this gloss in its tube - a marbled mix of orange and cream which show up as a nice shade of light orange on the lips.
 

 

Essence Stay With Me Long Lasting Lip Gloss in 02 My Favourite Milkshake - a light orange lip gloss that looks like a nude peach shade on the lips. Lasts for a long time and feels hydrating on the lips.

Napoleon Perdis Protégé Lip Gloss - this was actually my first orange lip product. I love wearing it to his very day and I like the refreshing mint scent and flavour it carries. Lasting power is average and doesn't feel sticky at all. Very comfortable wear!

Essence Lipstick in 61 I'm A Lobstar! - beautiful shade of orange that's perfect for summer. It has tiny gold shimmer too which will add interest to sun-kissed looks. Smells of vanilla and lasts for a fair few hours. The best part about this? The price tag of course! Essence lipsticks retail for around €2!

Catrice Ultimate Shine Lipstick in 110 Shy Flamingo - one of the most pigmented products in my collection. As much as I love this shade, it has a butter soft formula which melts in the summer heat so I never take this out with me. Luckily, it lasts for a long time.

Pupa Milano Glossy Lips in 401 Lollipop Orange - this is probably my favourite out of the bunch. It has a lacquer-like glossy finish, amazing pigmentation, super moisturising formula and lasts for a good number of hours.

Catrice Color Show Lip Gloss in 070 Light My Fire - the last product in my collection is another amazingly pigmented lip gloss brought to you courtesy of budget brand Catrice. Formula is nice and soft and this too lasts for quite some time.

So, that rounds up my orange lip products collection! What is your favourite orange lip tint?

Review | Catrice Made To Stay 8H Smoothing Lip Polish 050 Megan Fuchsia

Come summer I tend to switch everything to bright colours...be it clothes, nail polish or makeup. And what better way to make a statement than with a bold lip colour?

However, more often than not, carrying a lipstick when out and about in the Maltese summer sun is somewhat of a risk as it might melt so I'd rather go for a richly pigmented lipgloss instead, which I am pleased to say are now a common occurrence for most cosmetic brands.

Today, I will be reviewing such a product from Catrice Cosmetics - the Made To Stay 8H Smoothing Lip Polish in the shade 050 Megan Fuchsia.

 

The 8H Smoothing Lip Polishes were launched locally last February along with an array of other products but these were one of the most exciting additions to the vast range of lip products the brand offers.

Packaging is striking in its simplicity and I like the concept of having a 'swatch' of the actual colour on the tube itself. The lip polish has a doe-foot type applicator with a pointy end which I quite favour because it enables precise application at the cupid's bow of your lips.

 

Pigmentation and texture are insane - with just one application, you get the intense colouration of a lipstick, only glossier and I dare say more moisturising. The name fits this product perfectly in my opinion as I feel it is like a shiny nail polish, only it is for the lips! The shade 050 Megan Fuchsia is a deep Italian pink.

 

 

So as you can tell, I had very high expectations for this product and I am very sorry to say that it disappointed me a little on the first try. It didn't last the whole of eight hours as the brand claims and it faded in an ugly way - I was left with a bare centre and stained lip borders.

 

However, seeing I like the colour so much, I didn't want to give up on this. The next time, I wore it with a lip balm underneath and that seemed to do the trick. My lips retained a uniform stain after a few hours of wear but again, I think the claim that it lasts for 8 hours is a bit far-fetched.

 

That said, I would still recommend this product if anything for the innovative formula that combines the benefits of a lipstick, lip stain and lip gloss in one!

 

Catrice Cosmetics are available from various pharmacies and outlets across the Maltese Islands. For more information, 'like' the Catrice Malta Facebook page.

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Review | Pupa Milano Navy Chic Collection Spring Limited Edition Lipstick 001 Chic Pink

Pupa Milano have done it again! By now, we are all accustomed to the lavish limited edition collections the company releases every season and this spring was no exception. Probably this is my favourite collection from the brand to date because it revolves around the timeless nautical theme which is my ultimate go-to look fashion-wise. In fact, the collection is aptly named Navy Chic.

 

 

I am especially fond of the twist on the theme where bright yellows give an upbeat vibe to the traditional electric blues and true reds we usually associate with nautical themes. The packaging is lush and sophisticated... after all the collection is dubbed as 'chic' and you can expect this from Pupa Milano which always go the extra mile to make the products look as good as they perform.

The collection consists of:

3 Vamp Compact Eyeshadow Palettes - €16.90 each
4 Matic Stylo Pens - €10.20 each
2 Vamp Professional Liners - €9.90 each
3 Miss Pupa Velvet Matt Lipstick - €12.45 each
2 Like a Doll Blush - €14.40 each
3 Lasting Colour Gel Polishes - €5.80 each
3 Lasting Colour Matt Polishes - €6.00 each

 

I was delighted to receive one of the three Miss Pupa Velvet Matt Lipsticks in the mail a few weeks ago. I got the shade 001 Chic Pink which is a bright coral based pink - perfect for summer against a warm tan.

 

The packaging of this lipstick is exquisite, a real gem to have in your collection in my opinion! Pigmentation is amazing and opaqueness is achieved in just one application. The lipstick is totally matt but it still feels velvety and wears comfortably without drying out the lips. I'd say it lasts for a good 5 hours before it starts to fade uniformly away.

 

Miss Pupa Velvet Matt Lipstick retails for €12.45 which is quite affordable for such a good looking and delivering product such as this.
 

Pupa Milano Navy Chic Collection is available at authorised stockists which you can enquire about on the Pupa Milano in Malta Facebook page :) 

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Review | NYX Round Lipsticks LSS619 Flower & LSS627 Fusion

When NYX opened their first store in Malta last summer, the products I wanted to try most were the Round Lipsticks which are very popular in the blogosphere and they always get very good reviews.

 

I have finally added two of these lipsticks in my collection, namely LSS619 Flower and LSS627 Fusion. Both have sleek, black packaging and the bullets go all the way down...a must for me so as not to nick the lipstick when replacing the cap.

 

One thing I'm fond of with these lipsticks is the swatch at the base so if you store your lipsticks upside down, you know which colour to pick. Also, being so small, these lipsticks are great to pop even in the tiniest of bags.

 

The formula of these lipsticks is very creamy indeed and glides on to deliver optimum colour pay-off that lasts for a good number of hours. Flower is a blue-based medium pink whilst Fusion is an iridescent plum shade. Both feature a pearly finish and feel very moisturising on the lips.

 

NYX Round Lipstick LSS619 Flower

NYX Round Lipstick LSS627 Fusion

As a concluding remark, I definitely recommend these lipsticks to beginners and professionals alike and I cannot wait to add more colours to my collection!

NYX Round Lipsticks are available at the NYX Cosmetics store on Tower Road in Sliema and retail for around €5 if I'm not mistaken.

 

Which Round Lipstick shades do you recommend me to get?